Dispenser Adapter With Barbs For Foam Component Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Challenges exist in maintaining the position of foam components on dip tubes during automated filling processes, particularly in dispensers, as traditional methods like pushing or welding are cumbersome and costly.

Innovation Solution

An adapter with a longitudinal body and cross piece is used to connect the dip tube to a foam component, featuring barbs and a venturi hole for fluid and gas management, allowing the adapter to secure the foam component and facilitate efficient fluid dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional methods like pushing or welding are used to secure foam components on dip tubes, then the foam component can be held in position, but the process becomes cumbersome and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoam component positioningVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the dip tube and foam component. The adapter includes a longitudinal body with a first end configured for connection with the dip tube and a second end configured for connection with the foam component, with the second end substantially within the foam component. This intermediary structure provides a simple mechanical solution that avoids complex pushing or welding operations while reliably securing the foam component in position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If welding is used to attach foam components to dip tubes, then secure attachment is achieved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that replaces expensive welding operations. The adapter can be easily manufactured and attached using simple mechanical means, providing a cost-effective solution that maintains adequate attachment strength without requiring costly welding equipment or processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as a mediator that provides secure attachment through simple mechanical interference fits or friction engagement, eliminating the need for welding. The longitudinal body with cross piece and barbs creates sufficient mechanical engagement to hold the foam component securely without thermal processing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the foam component is pushed into position during automated filling, then positioning is achieved, but the process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoam component positioning precisionVSAvoidfilling process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is pre-configured with the longitudinal body and cross piece structure before the filling process. The barbs and geometric features are already in place to guide and secure the foam component, eliminating the need for complex real-time positioning mechanisms during automated filling. The foam component simply needs to be inserted into the pre-prepared adapter structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as a mediator that simplifies the automated filling process by providing a pre-configured receptacle for the foam component. The longitudinal body with integrated cross piece and barbs creates a self-aligning structure that guides the foam component into the correct position without requiring complex positioning equipment or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adapter effectively secures the foam component, enhances fluid dispensing efficiency, and adjusts gas-to-fluid ratio, ensuring consistent operation even at low pressures.

Implementation Method 1

one or more structures, such as barbs, may be provided between a cross piece and the second end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

featuring barbs and a venturi hole for fluid and gas management

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3877293B1Adapter and dispenser with adapter
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 PLASTIPAK BAWT S A R L
  • EP3877293B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3877293B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3877293B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An adapter (10) for a dispenser includes a longitudinal body (12) with a first end (14) that may be configured for connection with a dip tube and a second end (16) that may be configured for connection with another object, such as a foam component (40). In embodiments, a cross piece (50) is disposed between the first end (14) and the second end (16). Further, in embodiments, one or more structures, such as barbs (60), may be provided between a cross piece (50) and the second end (16).